Disciples and UCC Host Korean Delegation
Between May 15 and May 24 the Northwest Regional Christian Church and the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ hosted nineteen people from the Dong Kwang Church and the Presbytery of South Korea on an official visit to the Northwest. This was the every-other year exchange as part of a partnership agreement with conference/region and the PROK.
Between May 15 and May 24 the Northwest Regional Christian Church and the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ hosted nineteen people from the Dong Kwang Church and the Presbytery of South Korea on an official visit to the Northwest. This was the every-other year exchange as part of a partnership agreement with conference/region and the PROK.
Ten UCC/DOC church families in the Puget Sound area provided hospitality and home stays for the delegates. There was ample opportunity for inter-personal dialogue. Delegates worshipped on Sunday with their host families. Sumner First Christian provided 10-passenger van to help with transportation.
{mosimage}The itinerary was created to help delegates experience American church life and community social action ministries. They visited the Ballard Food Bank (strongly supported by Northwest Christian and Magnolia UCC). A visit to Tent City on Capitol Hill introduced them to homeless ministries. The group toured the School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University and shared the Noon liturgy at St. Ignatius Chapel. Northwest Christian and St. Paul UCC hosted a lunch as did Bellevue Christian Church.
The group learned of the work with sexual violence and materials in Korean language at the Faith Trust Institute. Time at Plymouth Congregational Church downtown Seattle told of a variety urban ministries and the group attended the Wednesday Jazz Worship. They participated in the installation of the new pastor at Bellevue First Congregational Church. There was a visit and talk with leaders at Idris Mosque in Northgate. Afternoon tea was served at Edmonds Christian and local lay leaders introduced the group to the Outdoor Labyrinth and after worship and singing, walked the Labyrinth. They were hosted at a Korean dinner. There were opportunities for sightseeing and shopping. The visit ended with delegates and hosts sharing a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner at Magnolia UCC and a closing communion worship service.
{mosimage}Official delegate visits were made to the Disciple Office and the UCC Conference Office where traditional gifts were exchanged. Disciples presented the group with a pottery chalice and paten. Their gift of an inlaid mother of pearl box was placed in the PROK Partnership Center in the Disciple office conference room.
The visit was sponsored by the UCC Global Ministries Committee of which Disciples are participating members. The PROK Partnership began fifteen years ago with the Pacific Northwest Conference of the UCC and was joined by the Northwest Regional Christian Church about ten years ago. Delegates visit the US and Korea on alternate years. From the partnership a sister church relationship has developed between the Dong Kwang Church and Magnolia UCC. They are exploring ways for shared ministries in both Korea and the United States.